Early Life and Beginnings Lee Hong-nae, born January 28, 1990, in Yangsan, South Korea, embarked on a path that would lead him from the world of modeling to becoming a recognized face in Korean cinema and television. His early life in Gyeongsang Province instilled a grounded sensibility, a quality that subtly informs his performances even when portraying characters far removed from his upbringing. At the age of 19, driven by ambition, he made the move to Seoul, initially finding work as a model—a period that honed his presence and understanding of visual storytelling. This wasn’t merely abo…